Photos: Faithful celebrate Thai tattoo festival

Omar Havana, Getty Images03.18.2014

A Thai devotees shows his body tattoos during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.

Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A tattooed Thai devotee enters in state of trance as he tries to pay his respect to a statue of Khru Sak during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A tattooed Thai devotee enters in state of trance during sunrise as he tries to pay his respect to a statue of Khru Sak during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A tattooed Thai devotee reportedly possessed by spirits crawls as he tries to pay his respect to a statue of Lord Buddha during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 580 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies. (Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai tattoo monk master carves a tattoo on a devotee's back with a long needle during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai tattoo master carves a tattoo on a foreigner devotee's back with a long needle during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai tattoo master carves a tattoo on a devotee's chest with a long needle during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A vendor walks between hundreds of Thai devotees during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai devotee reportedly possessed by spirits growls during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai devotee reportedly possessed by spirits growls during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai tattoo monk master carves a tattoo on a devotee's belly with a long needle during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai devotee reportedly possessed by spirits growls during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai tattoo monk master carves a tattoo on a devotee's back with a long needle during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai devotee in state of trance is helped by a volunteer during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai tattoo master carves a tattoo on a foreigner devotee's back with a long needle during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai devotee in state of trance is helped by volunteers during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

Thai devotees in state of trance run toward a statue of Lord Buddha to pay their respects during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai devotee in state of trance is helped by volunteers during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 50 miles outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A tattooed Thai devotee reportedly possessed by spirits crawls as he tries to pay his respect to a statue of Lord Buddha during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai tattoo monk master carves a tattoo on a devotee's back with a long needle during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A tattooed Thai devotee prays during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A tattooed Thai devotee in state of trance crawls as he tries to pay his respect to a statue of Lord Buddha during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A tattooed Thai devotee enters in a state of trance as he tries to pay his respect to a statue of Khru Sak during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai devotee in state of trance is helped by volunteers during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai devotee reportedly possessed by spirits is restrained by volunteers as he tries to pay his respects to a statue of Lord Buddha during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A tattooed Thai devotee reportedly possessed by spirits is helped by volunteers during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometresoutside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

A Thai devotee reportedly possessed by spirits runs toward a statue of Lord Buddha to pay their respects during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

Thai devotees in state of trance run toward a statue of Lord Buddha to pay their respects during the celebration of the annual Tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra on March 15, 2014 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thousands of believers from all over Thailand come to take part in one of the country's most bizarre festivals about 80 kilometres outside Bangkok to pay respect to the temple's monks who are master tattooist. In Thai culture the tattoo is worn as a symbol of spiritual and physical protection, many believe that the tattoo has mystical powers. Many tattoo fanatics choose to have monkeys and tigers as well as the Khmer/Cambodia ancient script on their bodies.Omar Havana
/ Getty Images

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